DefendAmerica - Home Page 12/16/2003

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Dec 16, 2003

AFRTS Report - AFN Iraq Begins Broadcasts

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Transcripts

TOYS FOR THE KIDS — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shane Heiser from the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, based at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., gives away toys to Iraqi children outside the Al-Salhya fire station in Karkh, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Houghton

Myers Calls Saddam Capture 'Big Step' Toward Democracy

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, Dec. 15, 2003 — The capture of Saddam Hussein was just one more step – "admittedly a big step" – in the path to Iraqi freedom and democracy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said here today.
     Myers said the U.S. capture of Saddam Hussein will have symbolic and substantive effects on the situation in Iraq. "There's great symbolism in seeing the leader of a country … finally being captured in such an ignominious way," Myers said. "(He was) coming out of a hole in the ground, disheveled, probably demoralized, disoriented, and obviously frightened."
     Myers is bringing United Service Organizations-sponsored entertainers to the U.S. Central Command area to entertain deployed service members. With him is Academy Award winning actor Robin Williams, Olympic Gold Medalist and current WWE wrestler Kurt Angle, NASCAR driver Mike Wallace and Fox Sports Net personality Leeann Tweeden. More

Bush Says Iraqi People Should Help Determine Saddam's Fate

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — The United States will assist Iraqis in developing a process to bring captured former dictator Saddam Hussein to justice for his crimes, President Bush told reporters here today.
     Saddam will continue to be detained as the U.S. government works with Iraqi authorities "to develop a way to try him that will stand international scrutiny," the president said during his last press conference of the year.
     The Iraqi people, the president asserted, "need to be very much involved" with Saddam's fate, since they were the ones
who were brutalized during Saddam's rule. "He murdered them, he gassed them, he tortured them," Bush pointed out. More

Rumsfeld: Captured Saddam Compliant, But Not Cooperative

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — Saddam Hussein has been compliant since he was captured Dec. 13, but so far is not cooperating, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told Lesley Stahl on the CBS News program "60 Minutes" Dec. 14.
     "He has not been cooperative in terms of talking, or anything like that," Rumsfeld said. "He clearly was compliant or resigned, in effect, as he was being examined and as he was being transferred from the hole to the transport that took him away, but I think … it's a bit early to try and characterize his demeanor beyond that."
     Saddam, who had exhorted his followers to fight to the death both before and after the war that removed him from power, seemed "not terribly brave" when confronted by American soldiers as he hid in a 6-by-8-foot hole, the defense secretary said. More

Iraq Weekly Progress Update (Governance, Electricity, Education, Oil, Security, Economics, Health Care)

U.S. Defense Dept. slides with facts &
figures on reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

U.S. State Dept. fact sheet on the latest developments in restoring Iraq's essential services, security, economy & governance.

Defense officials provide an update on the Coalition Provisional Authority & the Iraqi Governing Council agreement that outlines the process of restoring Iraq's sovereignty and the adoption of a permanent constitution.

Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers
Repel Ambush in Samarra

TIKRIT, Iraq, Dec. 16, 2003 — Task Force Ironhorse soldiers traveling through the city of Samarra repelled a complex ambush in the afternoon of Dec. 15 and killed eleven attackers without suffering any Coalition casualties, according to U.S. Central Command officials. As the patrol from B Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division drove through the city soldiers saw a large flock of pigeons take flight. More

Camp Arifjan Readying
For Big Logistics Surge

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait, Dec. 15, 2003 — Logistics experts at this camp are preparing for one of the greatest feats of transportation in military history.
The camp will be home to the Iraq troop rotation. Soldiers will come out of Iraq, clean their equipment and board planes and ships for home. Other service members will be arriving from the United States, drawing equipment and preparing to move into Iraq. More

ON SADDAM'S CAPTURE

Defense Secretary
Donald H. Rumsfeld

"Today is a momentous day for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people have now been liberated in spirit, as well as in fact. As they celebrate, we also stop to remember the many U.S. and Coalition forces who gave their lives to make this moment possible – including many brave Iraqis who served in their new security forces and who have died fighting for their country." More

U.S. Army
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez "Today is a great day for the Iraqi people and for the Coalition. Last night at approximately 8:00 p.m. local, forces from the 4th Infantry Division commanded by Major General Ray Odierno together with Coalition Special Operations Forces conducted Operation Red Dawn to capture the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein." More Briefing Slides

British Prime Minister Tony Blair

"The shadow of Saddam is finally lifted from the Iraqi people. We give thanks for that, but let this be more than a cause simply for rejoicing. Let it be a moment to reach out and to reconcile.
"To the Sunnis whose allegiance Saddam falsely claimed I say there is a place for you playing a full part in a new and a democratic Iraq. To those formally in Saddam's Party, there by force and not by conviction, I say we can put the past behind us." Statement

Radio

Television

Coalition Protects Saddam's
Geneva Convention Rights

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — Coalition forces are ensuring that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's Geneva Conventions rights are protected while he is in custody and that he receives "all of the privileges of a prisoner of war," according to the commander of coalition forces in Iraq.
     U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez said today on the CBS "Early Show" that Saddam "has been talkative" since his capture near Tikrit Dec. 13, and that "he'll respond readily to questions that are asked of him in terms of just normal administrative requirements."
     But Sanchez stopped short of saying Saddam is cooperating with coalition forces. "I wouldn't characterize it either way, cooperative or uncooperative," he said. "We still have a long way to go in this process." More

Saddam ‘Caught Like a Rat,’
4th Infantry Commander Says

By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service

Photo of Saddam Hussein shown during a briefing at the Iraqi Forum in Baghdad, Dec. 14, 2003. Troops from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein without incident Dec. 13. Saddam was found hiding in a storehouse at a remote farmhouse near Tikrit, Iraq. Defense Dept. photo.

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2003 – Saddam Hussein was “caught like a rat” and offered no resistance when U.S. soldiers captured him near Tikrit Dec. 13, the U.S. general in charge of the operation said today.
     Saddam was found hiding at the bottom of a hole hidden on a farm near his hometown. Roughly 600 U.S. soldiers were involved in the operation, but no shots were fired. Two other men were captured in the compound, Maj. Gen Raymond T. Odierno, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said during a press briefing in Iraq. The 4th Infantry Division is responsible for coalition operations in the Tikrit area.
     Odierno surmised the pressure on Saddam had become so tight that he couldn’t risk traveling with a large entourage, and therefore had no bodyguards with him. “It was him and just a couple other people with him, so he really didn’t have much of a security force,” the general said. “And he was in the bottom of a hole, so there was no way he could fight back, so he was just caught like a rat.” More

. Saddam Hussein: Disoriented and Bewildered

PRESIDENT BUSH

Saddam Capture Ushers in ‘Hopeful Day’ for Iraqi People

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

U.S. President George W. Bush speaks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2003 —President Bush praised the “superb skill and precision by a brave fighting force”that led to the 4th Infantry Division’s Dec. 13 capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, which Bush said “marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied and killed in his name.“
The president said in a televised address today that Saddam’s capture “was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq.”He said it sends the unequivocal message to Baathist holdouts blamed for current violence in Iraq that “there will be no return to the corrupt power and privilege they once held.”More

'WE GOT HIM'

4th Infantry Captures Saddam
In Remote Village Near Tikrit

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

      WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2003 —With three words –"We got him" –Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III announced at a press briefing in Baghdad today that U.S. forces had captured Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein near his hometown of Tikrit.
      Saddam was taken into custody at a small mud-walled compound outside the village of Ad Dwar at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
      About 600 members of the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, along with special operations forces, launched Operation Red Dawn after receiving intelligence that Saddam was in the area, said Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of coalition forces in the country. More

Army's 'Task Force All American' Continues Operations in Anbar

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — The Army's 82nd Airborne Division and attached units, known collectively as "Task Force All American," is enjoying increased cooperation with the Iraqi people as the task force continues security operations to improve safety within the Anbar Province, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
During the past 24 hours, the task force conducted 25 tactical checkpoints and eight cordon-and-search operations, Central Command reported. Units also performed 169 patrols, including 13 joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi police. These operations resulted in the killing of three and capture of 16 enemy personnel. One U.S. soldier died as well. More

Holiday Spirit More Photo Essays

Lt. Col. Steven Keith, a U.S. Air Force chaplain, hands out homemade cookies donated by Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to security forces troop Airman 1st Class Joseph Murphy on duty at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lisa M. Zunzanyika 5 More Photos

Psychological Operations Team Makes Friends Through Newspaper

By U.S. Army Sgt. Mark S. Rickert / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard K. Wilson, team chief with the 361st Psychological Operation Company (Tactical), and Sgt. Cornell W. Yell from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 237th Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division, distribute

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 15, 2003 — As soldiers here drop a bundle of the latest "Baghdad Now" newspaper onto the sidewalk, Iraqi children pounce on the newspaper heap as if it were a fumbled football during the Super Bowl.
Whether they are concerned citizens or just children who like to read, "Baghdad Now" is drawing an enormous fan base. The newspaper's promotion and its remarkably low price -- it's free! -- make the paper a useful tool for the 361st Psychological Operations Company (Tactical) here, an Army Reserve unit from Bothell, Wash., which is supporting the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, a subordinate unit of the 1st Armored Division.
More

Georgia Train and Equip Program Graduates Fourth Infantry Battalion

TBILISI, Georgia, Dec. 13, 2003 — The fourth phase of tactical training for Task Force Georgia Train and Equip Program ended Dec. 13 with a downtown graduation ceremony for the 111th Light Infantry Battalion.
The 100-day training cycle, which focused mainly on company-level infantry tactics and maneuver warfare doctrine, was designed to professionalize selected units of the Georgian armed forces in order to provide security and stability to this troubled region. More

Global War on Terrorism

. Myers: Transformation Vital to Fighting Global War On Terror

On Iraq

. Iraqi Cooperation Credited For Precise Coalition Strikes

. Defense Dept., Coalition Look Into Iraqi Army Resignations

. Iraqis Stage Widespread Rallies To Show Support for Coalition

On Afghanistan

. Rumsfeld Meets with Karzai, Notes Progress in Afghanistan

Military News

. New Benefits Help Families Visit Injured Sailors, Marines

. National Guard Family Programs Offer Tips on Deployment Issues

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — Defense Department officials announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
      Spc. Rian C. Ferguson, 22, of Taylors, S.C., died Dec. 14, 2003, outside forward operating base Quinn, Iraq. Ferguson fell from the light medium tactical vehicle in which he was a passenger. Ferguson died of his injuries. Ferguson was assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment based in Fort Carson, Colo.
      Staff Sgt. Kimberly A. Voelz, 27, of Carlisle, Pa., was killed Dec. 14, 2003, in Iskandariyah, Iraq. Voelz was responding to an explosive ordnance disposal call when an improvised explosive device detonated. Voelz was assigned to the 703rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment based in Fort Knox, Ky.
      Sgt. Jarrod W. Black, 26, of Peru, Ind., was killed Dec. 12, 2003, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Black's convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. Black died of his injuries. Black was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment based in Fort Riley, Kan.
      These incidents are under investigation.

Remembering the Fallen

Troops Mourn Soldier
Killed After Returning Home

MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 15, 2003 — After seeing eight months of violence in Iraq, Sgt. 1st Class Eduard Fico returned to his home in Georgia, where violence lurked in his shadow.
The soldier with the 501st Signal Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), went uninjured throughout the war and peacekeeping missions in Iraq only to lose his life at an auto repair shop in Augusta, Ga., after returning home to enroll in the Senior Non-commissioned Officer Course at Fort Gordon. More

U.S. Soldier Dies from
Non-hostile Gunshot Wound

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 15, 2003 A Coalition Joint Task Force soldier died at about 7:30 a.m. today from a non-hostile gunshot wound. The soldier was transported to the 28th Combat Support Hospital. The soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident is under investigation.

	U.S. Views — Quotes by President Bush & other U.S. leaders
	Defense Views — Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
	Maps of Iraq — Maps of the nation of Iraq and the region

Secretary of Defense
Donald H. Rumsfeld

"In the last analysis, here's a man (Saddam Hussein) who has killed so many tens of thousands of people, who will have to be held accountable and brought to justice in some form, in some way."

Remarks during 60 Minutes
interview, Dec. 14, 2003

Preliminary Court Proceedings
For Travis Airman Delayed

      SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILL., Dec. 15, 2003 — The military judge appointed to preside over the court martial case involving Senior Airman Ahmad I. Al Halabi, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., has delayed the court martial's initial session, originally set for Dec. 15 at Travis, until mid-January.
     The judge postponed the session until Jan. 13 to allow resolution of questions raised by defense counsel related to the ongoing investigation involving Senior Airman Al Halabi. The military judge, Colonel Barbara G. Brand of the Central Circuit Judiciary, Randolph AFB, Texas, is expected to arraign Al Halabi and hear motions at the session on Jan. 13.
     The date of the proceedings before the court members detailed to hear this case, also to be held at Travis AFB, remains tentatively set for Apr. 20.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon Gray and Petty Officer 3rd Class Rebekah Caruso send holiday greetings home from USS Enterprise, underway in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Justin N. McGarry

Send your 'Best Wishes' to the men and women in uniform supporting the global war on terror.

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. Maps of Iraq

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Dec . 15, 2003 -- The coalition in Afghanistan remembers what we are fighting for; we remember the thousands of victims of terrorism, here and abroad.
In coordination with the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force 180 continues to train the Afghan National Army, provide civil affairs support, and disrupt, deny, and destroy terrorist and anti-ITGA forces in order to establish a stable and secure Afghanistan. More

More Afghanistan Update Details

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Shon Lewis

U.S. Staff Sgt. Shon Lewis (top), selected as one of three coaches to lead Team USA's Greco-Roman wrestlers in the 2004 Olympic Games at Athens, Greece, competes in his final match during the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Army News Service), Dec. 10, 2003 — Staff Sgt. Shon Lewis, coach of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program wrestlers at Fort Carson, Colo., has been selected as one of three coaches to lead Team USA's Greco-Roman wrestlers in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. More

More Profiles

Eleventh-Grade Winners
Offer Their Insights

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — America’s right to freedom “did not come easy for this country, and many lives were lost fighting for it,” wrote Senya Waas from Port Orchard, Wash., in the Weekly Reader’s Operation Tribute to Freedom essay contest. More More essays